Today, readers are responding to the abrupt resignation of Jane Philpott as Treasury Board president. Ms. Philpott cited “serious concerns” about the political pressure exerted on former attorney-general Jody Wilson-Raybould to abandon the criminal prosecution of SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. This is the second high-profile cabinet resignation Justin Trudeau has faced since the beginning of the SNC-Lavalin controversy and comes only days after Mr. Trudeau shuffled his cabinet to compensate for the February resignation of Ms. Wilson-Raybould. Readers are also responding to John Ibbitson’s column, Trudeau is facing a political civil war.
Liberal MPs Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott take part in a cabinet shuffle at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Monday, Jan. 14, 2019. Both have since resigned from cabinet.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
This is huge. Treasury Board is one of the most important positions in a Canadian government, with oversight on spending in every department. After Finance Minister, it may be the most important economic position. The Liberal house is crashing down.
This says it all: “It is a fundamental doctrine of the rule of law that our attorney-general should be not subjected to political pressure or interference regarding the exercise of her prosecutorial discretion in criminal cases,” Ms. Philpott wrote in her resignation letter.
Yes, I wonder how Gerald Butts will explain that comment, because assuredly he will be asked to do so when he testifies.
Gerald Butts testimony won’t matter now, even if reasonable evidence refuting interference is presented. The optics are bad. Confidence in Justin Trudeau is collapsing from without and increasingly within.
If reasonable evidence is presented, then of course opinion will change. Most people are probably skeptical he will provide it.
Dr. Philpott, as a medical school classmate, I am immensely proud of you today. You thought a great deal about what to do, and acted in a fashion consistent with your principles. This was obvious in your previous two cabinet portfolios, as you managed to get a great deal done in a calm, appropriate fashion that was pretty low key, except for those who were paying attention. In a polarized political world, those with integrity deserve all our respect, even if we disagree with their views on certain positions. This gives a little hope that discussion, compromise and consensus can be reached without breaking appropriate ethical boundaries, even if there is disagreement. Your constituents in Markham-Stouffville must be very proud you today.
You have my respect, Ms. Philpott. In politics it is so easy to go along to get along. It takes a strong belief in one's core values to take a (lonely) stand against the group. The reflection in the mirror will look back kindly on you.
Readers are also responding to John Ibbitson’s column Trudeau is facing a political civil war
There are those who say the SNC-Lavalin scandal is a tempest in a teacup – or a nothingburger, to update the cliché. No it’s not, writes Globe columnist John IbbitsonFred Lum/the Globe and Mail
“There can be a cost to acting on one’s principles, but there is a bigger cost to abandoning them.” The remaining members of Trudeau's cabinet might want to reflect on these words. Canadians are watching and recording the silence.
"...how are others around his cabinet table supposed to feel?". Probably the remaining Liberal cabinet ministers support Trudeau's "leadership". I agree with Jane Philpott's and Jody Wilson-Raybould's decision to quit Trudesu's leadership, but there is this thing called caucus solidarity. Trudeau's style and persona won the last election, and the cabinet and caucus are beholden to him for the win. It's up to the media and the public to hold the Liberals to account over this inexcusable scandal.
Readers are also discussing Campbell Clark’s column The loss of Philpott has turned the SNC-Lavalin controversy into a crisis.
Losing one cabinet minister who resigns on principle can be considered a misfortune. Losing two smacks of crisis, writes The Globe's Campbell Clark
This article really summarizes nicely the gravity of the situation facing Trudeau. These two women are not lightweight political hacks. Both are well educated; both were flourishing in their respective careers before entering politics; both have put principle ahead of partisan advantage. It confounds Trudeau.
Trudeau is operating in a state of denial as he attempts to deflect attention away from the crisis with a rally on climate, job announcements, etc. He probably thinks he just has to tough it out and get to Wednesday when Gerald Butts will save him. Not going to happen.
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